Best way to shave a big fluffy Maine coon cat...

May 27, 2020 9:49 AM

We normally take our puffball to the groomer every summer for a shearing. Makes everyone happier with their lives during the heat. The pandemic has shut down our local cat shaving establishments. So. Any recommendations for good shaving equipment for accomplishing this feat of fur removal?
posted by chasing to Pets & Animals (8 answers total)

I once shaved my guinea pigs (long story) with a regular electric clippers from Braun that I bought at the drugstore. For the long-haired piggie, I think I trimmed her with a scissors first.
posted by 8603 at 9:52 AM on May 27, 2020

We used to use a razor comb for spot thinning on my cat. It doesn't make any noise and feels like brushing to the cat.
posted by irisclara at 10:07 AM on May 27, 2020

I can't find the comment or reference now, but a while back someone commented on a cat-grooming thread (here or maybe elsewhere, I can't recall) that the problem with DIY shaving your cat is that cat's skin is not connected to its muscles in the way that you would expect, being a human, and it's absolutely extremely easy to pull their skin into the clippers and really hurt them, because of the way it shifts around on their bodies.

So, honestly, I would not recommend trying this yourself -- properly grooming cats with clippers is hard enough for people who are trained and experienced, not to even think of rank amateurs like you and me.

I would honestly recommend going for a furminator or as above, a razor comb, for thinning the coat and grooming. Then when the groomers open back up, your cat can go get a real trim.
posted by Medieval Maven at 10:59 AM on May 27, 2020 [12 favorites]

Oh and if it needs to be said -- ABSOLUTELY do not use scissors on a cat. As I said, their skin and musculature does NOT behave the way you think it "should" and you will more than likely hurt them. Never cut out mats, always brush and groom to avoid that situation. If you get there, your vet can help you shave the cat, having matted fur is dangerous and bad for cats! it can lead to bruising and skin infections.
posted by Medieval Maven at 11:10 AM on May 27, 2020 [1 favorite]

Have you checked with the local veterinary offices? While pet-grooming services may still be deemed non-essential in your area, there's gotta be some non-emergency veterinarians offices running, and they'll have all the tools and skills to safely shave a cat since they have to do it anyway for surgeries and blood draws, and save you having to buy all the equipment.
posted by oh yeah! at 11:27 AM on May 27, 2020 [2 favorites]

I believe it is a myth that cats are cooler with less fur. From what I have read, their fur is designed to throw off heat, rather than actually keeping cats warm (in effect, their fur insulates them from heat, paradoxically), so depriving them of fur will make them hotter. Cats originate from the desert, after all.
posted by nanook at 12:30 PM on May 27, 2020 [10 favorites]

I've used human hair clippers for years. One of my cats is a problem child who refuses to allow brushing but lets us remove mats with clippers without too much drama. I have never hurt him. It's definitely a two person job, though, and requires a moderate level of compliance from the cat. I've only ever spot-shaved to remove mats; I'd think shaving a cat completely would take a long long time and make a big big mess. Agreeing with nanook, too, that I've always heard it isn't a good idea.
posted by something something at 12:33 PM on May 27, 2020

I'm no expert, but my mom was a professional groomer and I spent many hours watching her work on cats in the shop as a kid, and I've trimmed the poopy bits of an old cat who couldn't keep herself clean. As others have said, my sense is that it's a lot more risky than you'd think. Seasoned, professional groomers are often scared of trimming cats. A tiny cut becomes a gruesome tear that requires veterinary care in seconds. Finding a tool that makes it absolutely impossible to contact the skin, even the stretchy, wrinkly bits, is a good idea if you're going to try it. (Personally, I'd be willing to use a human hair clipper with a cm length guard, with someone else holding the cat firmly by the shoulders and head and with a great deal of care and attention. . . but, I'm not sure that's the right answer.) Best wishes!
posted by eotvos at 1:49 PM on May 27, 2020